READ MORE - Bendigo Stadium leads the way to bring sport back to life

READ MORE - Bendigo Stadium to return bigger and better: O'Neill

NATHAN O'Neill will bring the curtain down on a four-year stint as chief executive officer of Bendigo Stadium Limited in October.

Throughout O'Neill's tenure as CEO he has guided the Bendigo Stadium through the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still continuing to impact, the $24 million expansion project, a new strategic plan and events diversification, plus the acquisition of the Bendigo Spirit.

"As we navigate out of COVID our organisation is in a strong position to achieve our vision. It's the right time to hand over to a successor who will continue the momentum forward," O'Neill said on Friday.

"Our organisation has the most dedicated, passionate and committed team I have come across in my career.

"How our team has adapted throughout the past 16 months of the COVID pandemic is remarkable and I am blessed to lead an organisation with amazing people."

The $24 million expansion of the Bendigo Stadium, which was completed in 2018, features a new showcourt that since its opening has hosted not only NBL1 (Bendigo Braves) and WNBL (Bendigo Spirit) matches, but NBL games, including three during the recently-completed season, Super Netball matches and some major boxing cards that were headlined by wins by Michael Zerafa over Jeff Horn in 2019 and Anthony Mundine earlier this year.

"The Bendigo Stadium is a wonderful asset and is one of Bendigo's crown jewels to drive tourism and positive economic growth," O'Neill said.

"The events held since 2018 have elevated the sporting and entertainment precinct to national prominence.

"BSL's events diversification strategy will secure a sustained business model, as well as adding significant value to the Bendigo community."

BSL chair Stacie Wright said O'Neill had made a strong and positive impact on the organisation throughout his tenure at the helm.

"During his time as CEO Nathan has made an extraordinary contribution to our organisation. Nathan has successfully delivered many key projects, including the opening of the new arena in 2018, which was an instrumental moment in BSL's history," Wright said.

"Nathan's leadership, passion, hard work and continued resilience has BSL well positioned to achieve our vision of delivering world class experiences.

"Nathan's time as CEO demonstrated a strong commitment to building strong foundations across all aspects of the business, which the organisation will reap the rewards of in the long-term future.

"Recruitment for a replacement CEO will commence soon, with the expectation that Nathan will fulfill a smooth transition to the successor."

Meanwhile, the Bendigo Braves men's and women's teams will be sidelined this weekend with no NBL1 South games being played due to the Victorian lockdown.

The Braves were due to play Geelong on Saturday night before backing up against Ringwood at home on Sunday.

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